Conservation Battle

New Zealand's 'clean and green' image has been derided recently but concern about the environment has been evident over many years and a number of battles have been waged to preserve it, in particular to prevent logging of native trees. The battles have not always been a straight-forward competition between environmentalists and developers. A number have related to attempts to protect birds such as kiwis,Kaka whio (blue duck), mohua (yellowhead) and kakaraki (orange-fronted parakeet) which are vulnerable to predators like possums, stoats and rats. In these endeavours Mainland Islands and eco sanctuaries have an important role. Other conservation battles have related to endeavours to preserve heritage buildings.